Fulham and Southampton have announced that midfielder Mario Lemina has joined Fulham on loan.
The Gabonese international, who spent last campaign on loan at Galatasaray, has linked up with Scott Parker’s side on a season-long deal.
It has been widely reported the loan fee for the deal is £2million, with Fulham having an obligation to sign the 26-year-old, should they maintain their Premier League status.
Lemina has played 52 times for Saints in all competitions since joining for £18.1million from Juventus in August 2017, signing a five-year deal at St Mary’s.
Fulham FC statement
The Club is delighted to announce the loan signing of Mario Lemina.
The 26-year-old arrives on a season-long deal from Southampton, with an option to make the move permanent.
Speaking after completing his loan switch, Lemina said: “Now I’m with Fulham, I’m really happy and I’m glad to be part of the project. I spoke with the Manager and he’s got some good ideas about the team, about the project, about everything he wants to do this season, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Tony Khan added: “Mario Lemina has top-flight experience throughout Europe, including in the Premier League, and I’m very excited to announce his arrival at Fulham Football Club on loan.
“I chose to pursue Mario this summer because in our recruitment conferences he’s been highly rated by our scouting team and our Head Coach Scott Parker, and our statistical research team.
“I believe he will thrive for our Club under Scott’s coaching and leadership. Come on Fulham!”
A combative, athletic central midfielder, Lemina spent last season on loan with Turkish giants Galatasary.
He began his career in France with Lorient, for whom he made 18 appearances as a teenager after graduating from their youth academy.
His potential was quickly spotted by Marseille, who signed him after just one Ligue 1 season. He spent two years in the south of France and played 50 times, including his first taste of Champions League football.
In the summer of 2015, Juventus came calling, and Lemina went on to enjoy a trophy-laden two years in Turin, winning Serie A and the Coppa Italia twice each. He also played in the 2017 Champions League Final.
His performances in Italy then prompted Southampton to make him their record signing that summer, and he helped the Saints reach the FA Cup Semi-Finals in his maiden campaign.
After being capped by France at Under-21 level, Lemina now represents Gabon, his country of birth, on the international stage, and has 15 caps to his name.